The National Core French Study had the objectives of defining and developing four syllabuses and assessing their applicability in Core French classes in Canadian elementary and secondary schools. The communicative/experiential syllabus reported on here reflects real-life language use needs. The first chapter is introductory. The second elaborates…

Open enrollment is an essential feature of the Education Department of the International Institute in St. Louis, a refugee sponsoring group offering a wide range of social, housing, and medical services; job counseling and placement; and English as a second language classes. The institute allows students to begin a language training program…

A guide to setting objectives for foreign language instruction provides a model for specifying comprehensive objectives and a discussion of their nature and educational implications. It follows up on the suggestions made in the "Threshold Level" series begun in 1975 with more complex specifications. Chapters define aims and objectives, examine the…

Rather than try and shield themselves from organizational change, language departments should turn current administrative attempts to streamline the campus to their advantage, particularly in the trend toward internationalization of the curriculum. Areas for expansion include languages across the curriculum, area studies, study abroad, comparative…

Discusses the response of Hope College (Michigan) language departments to shifts in language enrollments, particularly the rise in Spanish enrollments and declines in other languages. Strategies include using the smaller classes as an opportunity to enhance the teaching-learning environment and make those courses more attractive, placement…

The guide is designed as a resource to help elementary school administrators and teachers in the Grand Blanc (Michigan) Community School district understand the rationale for beginning an elementary foreign language program, program types, and specifics of the district's model and philosophy. Chapters address the following topics: the rationale…

An informal national survey of new efforts in foreign language education undertaken by the Joint National Committee for Languages revealed that 12 states had made significant progress, another 13 states showed positive movement, and 12 had concluded studies, reports, and/or recommendations that may yield some results. Six had studies in progress,…

Recommendations for chairs of college-level foreign language departments include: being supportive of the department; communicating fully and openly with faculty and staff; promoting grantsmanship; and encouraging staff and faculty. Recommendations for deans working with chairs and department heads include: consulting frequently and communicating…

A model is presented for postsecondary French language education based on the belief that linguistic improvement and cultural rappprochement are complementary goals. Data on secondary French immersion enrollment trends are noted, and planning difficulties due to small enrollments and insufficient information about career goals are discussed. (MSE)

Both declining second-language enrollments in colleges and universities and the rapid metamorphosis of higher education are linked to the end of the Cold War. The strong state as the protector of the university's relative independence has ended, and the business sector is the new standard for measuring performance. In this context, German…

Describes and reflects on the experience of the University of Washington's Slavic languages program when faced with termination in 1995, including the initial response of faculty, staff, and students; the successful effort made to garner support from other institutions, alumni, business, and organizations; relations with the legislature;…

The curricular framework for Maryland's elementary and secondary school second language programs is designed to assist administrators and teachers in planning, developing, and implementing language curricula. It provides a broad outline from which local systems can plan comprehensive curricula, develop a local philosophy, define local goals and…

A collection of essays and research reports addresses issues in the testing of English as a Second Language (ESL) among foreign students in United States colleges and universities. They include the following: "Overview of ESL Testing" (Ralph Pat Barrett); "English Language Testing: The View from the Admissions Office" (G. James…

The stated objective of this handbook is to provide guidance in foreign language curriculum planning and teaching. Although written specifically for Arkansas educators, most of the resources and ideas are applicable to any foreign language program. Topics covered in the handbook are: (1) student competency goals; (2) descriptions of various…

A guide to the planning and implementation of elementary school foreign language (FLES) programs presents statements of opinion and experience in various aspects of program development by a number of experts. An introductory section outlines basic program planning considerations, and a second chapter describes the work of the American Association…